Rangers have appointed Philippe Clement but Jim White claims that Graeme Souness actually wanted Frank Lampard.
Rangers have struggled for stability since Steven Gerrard left the club for a move to Aston Villa in 2021.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst came in and lasted just about a year, and the anti was Michael Beale’s turn.
Beale didn’t even get 12 months in the Ibrox dugout with Rangers now turning to Philippe Clement in his place.
Clement has been given a three-and-a-half-year deal at Rangers; a major show of faith in the idea of the Belgian sticking around for a while.
Graeme Souness allegedly wanted Frank Lampard
Other managers were linked with the job before Clement was announced – including Frank Lampard.
The former Chelsea boss is looking to get back into management after leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Lampard allegedly held ‘preliminary talks’ to become Rangers boss but he was ruled out of the running more than a week before Clement was appointed.
TalkSPORT host Jim White now claims that his understanding is that Lampard was the top choice for Graeme Souness.
Rangers legend Souness was convinced that Lampard had the hunger to succeed at Rangers, according to White, but it just didn’t materialise.
“It’s my understanding that Graeme Souness did think that he was the man for the job, because Frank demonstrated – apparently – a real hunger to succeed, but he didn’t get it,” said White.
Philippe Clement has highlighted Souness role
Souness did have an active role in Rangers’ hunt for a new manager.
The former Sky Sports pundit was able to talk to candidates and seemingly offer his recommendations – such as Lampard.
Clement has told Sky Sports that Souness was present for the first round of talks about a move to Ibrox.
Souness discussed the Rangers fanbase and just what they expect from a Gers side, providing Clement with invaluable knowledge about what he is walking into.
Souness may well have wanted Lampard but given Clement’s record of winning three league titles in Belgium, we would argue that Rangers have made the smart decision.
